Victim Support Dog Ranger’s first time supporting a domestic violence survivor was at a pretrial hearing. 360 Communities had been working with Veronica for years. It was an ongoing situation and it was intensely stressful and emotional for the client. When she would recount the violence, she would often be overtaken with emotion and start to [...]
An exciting 360 Communities initiative involves a creative way to provide survivors of abuse additional support. We are working with an organization called Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs) that trains service dogs to respond to traumatic events, like mass shootings or disasters. 360 Communities has hired Victim Support Dog Ranger, pictured with Outreach Advocate Stacie Burke. Studies have shown [...]
by Jeff Mortensen President & CEO Do you have eyes that see the courage and struggle in the people around you? We each hold a unique perspective and are more likely to see those things that “fit” our own world view. With life’s many distractions and our personal mindsets, it takes being open with intentionality to [...]
October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but vigilance, conversation, education, and advocacy about the issues of domestic and sexual violence is needed year-round. According to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women, at least 13 Minnesotans have died as a result of domestic violence in 2016. One out of four college women experience sexual assault on campus. Recently, [...]
By Sal Mondelli CEO Emeritus After a very rewarding four plus years as CEO, I have handed the reins over to Jeff Mortensen effective October 1, the start of the new fiscal year, as part of an orderly transition plan which was set in motion over 18 months ago. If five years ago you would have [...]
By Lisa Lusk Director of School Success Academic success is not a guarantee for any student. Even children who have all the tools and support in the world to reach their potential may have significant hurdles to overcome requiring hard work in order to succeed. Imagine what it must be like for a student who comes [...]
by Sal Mondelli Chief Executive Officer Asking for assistance is not easy for anyone. When people come to 360 Communities for help, they have usually run out of options. Maybe they are unemployed; perhaps their jobs don’t pay enough to cover unanticipated expenses. They could have a medical crisis, a disability, or their retirement savings could [...]
The Twin Cities Premium Outlet in Eagan is running a gift card drive through August 31st. The outlet mall's back-to-school drive has a goal of raising $2,500 in gift card donations for 360 Communities. You can purchase gift cards for shoes, clothing, household items, gas, school supplies and more at the Twin Cities Premium Outlets information [...]
by Lisa Lusk Director of School Success Tears of joy and relief streaked down Sandy’s face when she processed the news. It was December, and the latest test results showed that her first-grader, Kylie, was now reading slightly above grade level, a monumental improvement from where she was at the beginning of the school year. Sandy [...]
by Sal Mondelli Chief Executive Officer Hall of Fame baseball player Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” When a person makes a positive impact in the life of another, it produces a lasting legacy. Being a positive force in another person’s life can make [...]
